Barry MEET

Meet PAR member Barry Schieferstein, Chief Operating Officer of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT)

What do you find most rewarding about your work in associations?

What I find most rewarding is the opportunity to ask the question, “What if…?” What if we stopped doing that? What if we tried it this way? Associations are often rooted in traditions and long-standing practices, but I came into ASNT, my first foray into the association space, without any preconceived ideas about how things “should” be done. That has allowed me to approach our work with fresh eyes and curiosity, always exploring whether there’s a better path forward.

I’m also fortunate to work for a CEO who expects and encourages strategic, out-of-the-box thinking, not just blue-sky brainstorming, but also the discipline to execute on bold ideas. That combination creates an environment where innovation is not only possible but expected. For me, the ability to challenge assumptions, reimagine processes, and help an organization evolve in service of its mission is incredibly energizing.

What would you do if you had an unlimited budget for your association?

If I had unlimited resources, my focus would be on creating the best possible user experience for our stakeholders. Every interaction, whether it’s visiting our website, registering for a course, or attending a conference, should feel seamless, intuitive, and rewarding.
I would invest in technology that allows us to customize and personalize those experiences. From using AI to tailor communications to each customer’s interests, to adopting best practices from leaders like Amazon and Netflix to create a frictionless journey, the goal would be to make every touchpoint meaningful. Imagine an ecosystem where the tools and resources our community needs surface naturally, where engagement feels effortless, and where technology enhances, not complicates, the human connection.
That kind of investment would not just make life easier for our members and customers; it would position the association as a truly indispensable partner in their professional journey.

What’s your favorite quote or motto that keeps you motivated?

One of the quotes I keep coming back to is: “The greatest enemy of learning is knowing.” This version is often attributed to John C. Maxwell. What I love about it is how it reminds me that once we assume we already “know,” we’re closing the door to new ideas, fresh perspectives, and growth. In associations (and in life), that mindset can be a real barrier, if you believe you have all the answers, you stop listening, experimenting, and improving. This quote keeps me honest. It nudges me to stay curious, stay open, to ask better questions, and to challenge the “we’ve always done it that way” line of thinking. That willingness to unlearn, to be open to change, is one of the most energizing parts of the work I do.

What is a recent project or initiative that you're especially proud of?

One of the initiatives I’m most proud of is ASNT’s launch of a freemium membership model earlier this year. We asked ourselves a bold question: what if we removed the main barrier to membership – the cost? That question became a catalyst for rethinking how we connect with professionals and expand access to our community.

Since launching, more than 2,800 professionals have joined as Associate Members at the free level, and what’s exciting is that 75% of them are engaging with ASNT for the very first time. Even more, this group has already generated $120,000 in incremental revenue through programs, events, and resources beyond the basic membership.

For me, this project represents more than just numbers, it’s about opening the doors wider, building new relationships, and proving that bold, strategic shifts can both advance mission and create new pathways for sustainable growth.

What’s a hobby that helps you unwind outside of work?

When I travel, I try to go geocaching wherever I am. If you’re not familiar with it, geocaching is like a modern-day treasure hunt using GPS coordinates. What I love most is how it takes me to places I might never have discovered otherwise, an overlooked vista in a city, a tucked-away historical marker, or a hidden trail. Beyond the exploration, there’s a refreshing simplicity to it: outdoors + curiosity + discovery. It turns travel into something playful, and helps me unwind by shifting my focus away from screens and deadlines to the world just around the corner.

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Meet PAR Member Organization: American Society for Nondestructive Testing

When performed with precision and expertise, nondestructive testing (NDT) is largely invisible to the general public. By securing the safety and reliability of the structures and systems that shape our daily lives, NDT professionals ensure trust and confidence across industries, infrastructure, and organizations—often without recognition. The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) aims for a higher vision: to make nondestructive testing a highly respected professional field recognized globally for its role in creating a safer world.